The complexities of the future security

environment demand that the United States be

prepared to face a wide range of threats of
varying levels of intensity. Success in
countering these threats will require the skillful
integration of the core competencies of the
Services into a joint force tailored to the specific
situation and objectives. Commanders must be
afforded the opportunity to achieve the level of
effectiveness and synergy necessary to
conduct decisive operations across the entire
range of military operations. When combat
operations are required, they must have an
overwhelming array of capabilities available to
conduct offensive and defensive operations and
against which an enemy must defend. Other
complex contingencies such as humanitarian
relief or peace operations will require a rapid,
flexible response to achieve national objectives
in the required timeframe. Some situations may
require the capabilities of only one Service, but
in most cases, a joint force comprised of both
Active and Reserve Components will be
employed.
The complexity of future operations also
requires that, in addition to operating jointly, our
forces have the capability to participate
effectively as one element of a unified national
effort. This integrated approach brings to bear
all the tools of statecraft to achieve our national
objectives unilaterally when necessary, while
making optimum use of the skills and resources
provided by multinational military forces,
regional and international organizations,
non-governmental organizations, and private
voluntary organizations when possible.
Participation by the joint force in operations
supporting civil authorities will also likely
increase in importance due to emerging threats
to the US homeland such as terrorism and
weapons of mass destruction.
PEOPLE
The core of the joint force of 2020 will
continue to be an All Volunteer Force composed
of individuals of exceptional dedication and
Conduct of
Joint Operations
12
13
ability. Their quality will matter as never before
as our Service members confront a diversity of
missions and technological demands that call
for adaptability, innovation, precise judgment,
forward thinking, and multicultural
understanding. The Nation will continue to
depend on talented individuals of outstanding
character, committed to an ethic of selfless
service.
Our people will require a multitude of
skills. The Services will play a critical role in
necessary. The joint force commander is
thereby provided a powerful, synergistic force
capable of dominating across the entire range
of operations.
The missions of 2020 will demand
Service members who can create and then take
advantage of intellectual and technological
innovations. Individuals will be challenged by
significant responsibilities at tactical levels in
the organization and must be capable of
making decisions with both operational and
strategic implications. Our vision of full
spectrum dominance and the transformation of
operational capabilities has significant
implications for the training and education of
our people. The tactics of information
operations, the coordination of interagency and
perfecting their individual specialties and the
core competencies of each organization. In
addition, every member of the Total Force must
be prepared to apply that expertise to a wide
range of missions as a member of the joint
team. Our Service members must have the
mental agility to transition from preparing for
war to enforcing peace to actual combat, when
multinational operations, as well as the
complexity of the modern tools of war all require
people who are both talented and trained to
exacting standards. Rapid and dispersed
operations will require men and women who are
part of a cohesive team, yet are capable of
operating independently to meet the
commanders intent. The evolution of new
functional areas, such as space operations and
information operations, will require development
of appropriate career progression and
leadership opportunities for specialists in those
fields. The accumulation of training and
experience will create a force ready to deploy
rapidly to any point on the globe and operate
effectively.
The joint force of 2020 will face a
number of challenges in recruiting and retaining
the outstanding people needed to meet these
requirements. First, expanding civilian
education and employment opportunities will
reduce the number of candidates available for
military service. We will continue to focus on
our members standard of living and a
competitive compensation strategy to ensure
we attract the quality individuals we need.
14
Second, the increasing percentage of members
with dependents will require a commitment to
family-oriented community support programs
and as much stability as possible, as well as
close monitoring of the impact of the operations
tempo. Finally, our increased dependence on
the Reserve Component will require us to
address the concerns of our reserve members
and their employers regarding the impact on
civilian careers. The Department of Defense
and Services must meet these challenges
head-on.
Military operations will continue to
demand extraordinary dedication and sacrifice
under the most adverse conditions. Our Total
Force, composed of professionals armed with
courage, stamina, and intellect, will succeed
despite the complexity and pace of future
operations.
15
INTEROPERABILITY
Interoperability is the foundation of
effective joint, multinational, and interagency
operations. The joint force has made significant
progress toward achieving an optimum level of
interoperability, but there must be a concerted
effort toward continued improvement. Such
improvements will include the refinement of
joint doctrine as well as further development
of common technologies and processes.
Exercises, personnel exchanges, agreement
on standardized operating procedures,
individual training and education, and planning
will further enhance and institutionalize these
capabilities. Interoperability is a mandate for
the joint force of 2020 especially in terms of
communications, common logistics items, and
information sharing. Information systems and
equipment that enable a common relevant
operational picture must work from shared
networks that can be accessed by any
appropriately cleared participant.
Although technical interoperability is
essential, it is not sufficient to ensure effective
operations. There must be a suitable focus on
procedural and organizational elements, and
decision makers at all levels must understand
each others capabilities and constraints.
Training and education, experience and
exercises, cooperative planning, and skilled
liaison at all levels of the joint force will not only
overcome the barriers of organizational culture
and differing priorities, but will teach members
of the joint team to appreciate the full range of
Service capabilities available to them.
The future joint force will have the
embedded technologies and adaptive organiza-
tional structures that will allow trained and
experienced people to develop compatible
processes and procedures, engage in
collaborative planning, and adapt as necessary
to specific crisis situations. These features are
not only vital to the joint force, but to
multinational and interagency operations as
well.
Interoperability the ability of systems,
units, or forces to provide services to and
accept services from other systems, units,
or forces and to use the services so
exchanged to enable them to operate
effectively together. (JP1-02)
Multinational Operations
Since our potential multinational
partners will have varying levels of technology,
a tailored approach to interoperability that
accommodates a wide range of needs and
capabilities is necessary. Our more technically
advanced allies will have systems and
equipment that are essentially compatible,
enabling them to interface and share
information in order to operate effectively with
US forces at all levels. However, we must also
be capable of operating with allies and coalition
partners who may be technologically
incompatible especially at the tactical level.
Additionally, many of our future partners will
have significant specialized capabilities that
may be integrated into a common operating
scheme. At the same time, the existence of
these relationships does not imply access to
information without constraints. We and our
multinational partners will continue to use
suitable judgment regarding the protection of
sensitive information and information sources.
In all cases, effective command and
control is the primary means of successfully
extending the joint vision to multinational
operations. Technological developments that
connect the information systems of partners will
provide the links that lead to a common relevant
operational picture and improve command and
control. However, the sharing of information
needed to maintain the tempo of integrated
multinational operations also relies heavily on a
shared understanding of operational procedures
16
Multinational Operations a collective
term to describe military actions conducted
by forces of two or more nations usually
undertaken within the structure of a coalition
or alliance. (JP1-02)
17
and compatible organizations. The commander
must have the ability to evaluate information in
its multinational context. That context can only
be appreciated if sufficient regional expertise
and liaison capability are available on the
commanders staff. A deep understanding of
the cultural, political, military, and economic
characteristics of a region must be established
and maintained. Developing this understanding
is dependent upon shared training and
education, especially with key partners, and
may require organizational change as well. The
overall effectiveness of multinational operations
is, therefore, dependent on interoperability
between organizations, processes, and
technologies.
18
Interagency Operations
The primary challenge of interagency
operations is to achieve unity of effort despite
the diverse cultures, competing interests, and
differing priorities of the participating
organizations, many of whom guard their
relative independence, freedom of action, and
impartiality. Additionally, these organizations
may lack the structure and resources to support
extensive liaison cells or integrative
technology. In this environment and in
the absence of formal command
relationships, the future joint force must
be proactive in improving communica-
tions, planning, interoperability, and
liaison with potential interagency
participants. These factors are
important in all aspects of interagency
operations, but particularly in the
context of direct threats to citizens and
facilities in the US homeland.
Cohesive interagency action is vital to
deterring, defending against, and
responding to such attacks. The joint
force must be prepared to support
civilian authorities in a fully integrated
effort to meet the needs of US citizens
and accomplish the objectives
specified by the National Command
Authorities.
Interagency Coordination within the
context of Department of Defense
involvement, the coordination that occurs
between elements of the Department of
Defense and engaged US Government
agencies, non-governmental organizations,
private voluntary organizations, and
regional and international organizations for
the purpose of accomplishing an objective.
(JP1-02)
19
All organizations have unique informa-
tion assets that can contribute to the common
relevant operational picture and support unified
action. They also have unique information
requirements. Sharing information with
appropriately cleared participants and
integration of information from all sources are
essential. Understanding each others
requirements and assets is also crucial. More
importantly, through training with potential
interagency partners, experienced liaisons
must be developed to support long-term
relationships, collaborative planning in
advance of crises, and compatible processes
and procedures. As with our multinational
partners, interoperability in all areas of
interaction is essential to effective interagency
operations.
OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS
Dominant Maneuver
The joint force capable of dominant
maneuver will possess unmatched speed and
agility in positioning and repositioning tailored
forces from widely dispersed locations to
achieve operational objectives quickly and
decisively. The employment of dominant
maneuver may lead to achieving objectives
directly, but can also facilitate employment of
the other operational concepts. For example,
dominant maneuver may be employed to
dislodge enemy forces so they can be
destroyed through precision engagement. At
times, achieving positional advantage will be a
function of operational maneuver over strategic
distances. Overseas or US-based units will
mass forces or effects directly to the operational
theater. Information superiority will support the
conduct of dominant maneuver by enabling
adaptive and concurrent planning; coordination
of widely dispersed units; gathering of timely
feedback on the status, location, and activities
of subordinate units; and anticipation of the
course of events leading to mission
accomplishment. The joint force will also be
capable of planning and conducting dominant
maneuver in cooperation with interagency and
multinational partners with varying levels of
commitment and capability.
The capability to rapidly mass force or
forces and the effects of dispersed forces
20
allows the joint force commander to establish
control of the battlespace at the proper time and
place. In a conflict, this ability to attain
positional advantage allows the commander to
employ decisive combat power that will compel
an adversary to react from a position of
disadvantage, or quit. In other situations, it
allows the force to occupy key positions to
shape the course of events and minimize
hostilities or react decisively if hostilities erupt.
And in peacetime, it constitutes a credible
capability that influences potential adversaries
while reassuring friends and allies.
Dominant Maneuver is the ability of joint
forces to gain positional advantage with
decisive speed and overwhelming
operational tempo in the achievement of
assigned military tasks. Widely dispersed
joint air, land, sea, amphibious, special
operations and space forces, capable of
scaling and massing force or forces and the
effects of fires as required for either combat
or noncombat operations, will secure
advantage across the range of military
operations through the application of
information, deception, engagement,
mobility and counter-mobility capabilities.
21
Beyond the actual physical presence of
the force, dominant maneuver creates an
impact in the minds of opponents and others in
the operational area. That impact is a tool
available to the joint force commander across
the full range of military operations. In a
conflict, for example, the presence or
anticipated presence of a decisive force might
well cause an enemy to surrender after minimal
resistance. During a peacekeeping mission, it
may provide motivation for good-faith
negotiations or prevent the instigation of civil
disturbances. In order to achieve such an
impact, the commander will use information
operations as a force multiplier by making the
available combat power apparent without the
need to physically move elements of the force.
The joint force commander will be able to take
advantage of the potential and actual effects of
dominant maneuver to gain the greatest benefit.
Precision Engagement
Simply put, precision engagement is
effects-based engagement that is relevant to all
types of operations. Its success depends on
in-depth analysis to identify and locate critical
nodes and targets. The pivotal characteristic of
precision engagement is the linking of sensors,
delivery systems, and effects. In the joint force
of the future, this linkage will take place across
Services and will incorporate the applicable
capabilities of multinational and interagency
partners when appropriate. The resulting
system of systems will provide the commander
the broadest possible range of capabilities in
responding to any situation, including both
kinetic and nonkinetic weapons capable of
creating the desired lethal or nonlethal effects.
The concept of precision engagement
extends beyond precisely striking a target with
explosive ordnance. Information superiority will
enhance the capability of the joint force
commander to understand the situation,
determine the effects desired, select a course
of action and the forces to execute it, accurately
assess the effects of that action, and reengage
as necessary while minimizing collateral
damage. During conflict, the commander will
use precision engagement to obtain lethal and
nonlethal effects in support of the objectives of
the campaign. This action could include
destroying a target using conventional forces,
inserting a special operations team, or even the
22
Precision Engagement is the ability of joint
forces to locate, surveil, discern, and track
objectives or targets; select, organize, and
use the correct systems; generate desired
effects; assess results; and reengage with
decisive speed and overwhelming
operational tempo as required, throughout
the full range of military operations.
23
execution of a comprehensive psychological
operations mission. In other cases, precision
engagement may be used to facilitate dominant
maneuver and decisive close combat. The
commander may also employ nonkinetic
weapons, particularly in the arena of
information operations where the targets might
be key enemy leaders or troop formations, or
the opinion of an adversary population.
In noncombat situations, precision
engagement activities will, naturally, focus on
nonlethal actions. These actions will be
capable of defusing volatile situations,
overcoming misinformation campaigns, or
directing a flow of refugees to relief stations, for
example. Regardless of its application in
combat or noncombat operations, the
capability to engage precisely allows the
commander to shape the situation or battle
space in order to achieve the desired effects
while minimizing risk to friendly forces and
contributing to the most effective use of
resources.
Focused Logistics
Focused logistics will provide military
capability by ensuring delivery of the right
equipment, supplies, and personnel in the right
quantities, to the right place, at the right time to
support operational objectives. It will result
from revolutionary improvements in information
systems, innovation in organizational
structures, reengineered processes, and
advances in transportation technologies. This
transformation has already begun with changes
scheduled for the near term (see events
highlighted in box at right) facilitating the
ultimate realization of the full potential of
focused logistics.
Focused logistics will effectively link all
logistics functions and units through advanced
information systems that integrate real-time
total asset visibility with a common relevant
operational picture. These systems will
incorporate enhanced decision support tools
that will improve analysis, planning, and
anticipation of warfighter requirements. They
will also provide a more seamless connection to
24
Focused Logistics Transformation Path
FY 01, implement systems to assess customer
confidence from end to end of the logistics
chain using customer wait time metric.
FY 02, implement time definite delivery capabili-
ties using a simplified priority system driven by
the customers required delivery date.
FY 04, implement fixed and deployable auto-
mated identification technologies and informa-
tion systems that provide accurate, actionable
total asset visibility.
FY04 for early deploying forces and FY 06 for
the remaining forces, implement a web-based,
shared data environment to ensure the joint
warfighters ability to make timely and confident
logistics decisions.
Focused Logistics is the ability to provide the joint force the right personnel, equipment, and
supplies in the right place, at the right time, and in the right quantity, across the full range of military
operations. This will be made possible through a real-time, web-based information system
providing total asset visibility as part of a common relevant operational picture, effectively linking
the operator and logistician across Services and support agencies. Through transformational
innovations to organizations and processes, focused logistics will provide the joint warfighter with
support for all functions.
25
dramatically improved end-to-end management
of the entire logistics system and provide
precise real-time control of the
logistics pipeline to support the
joint force commanders
priorities. The increased
speed, capacity, and efficiency
of advanced transportation
systems will further improve
deployment, distribution, and
sustainment. Mutual support
relationships and collaborative planning will
enable optimum cooperation with multinational
and interagency partners.
The result for the joint force of the future
will be an improved link between operations
and logistics resulting in precise time-definite
delivery of assets to the warfighter. This
substantially improved operational effective-
ness and efficiency, combined with increasing
warfighter confidence in these
new capabilities, will concur-
rently reduce sustainment
requirements and the
vulnerability of logistics lines of
communication, while appropri-
ately sizing and potentially
reducing the logistics footprint.
The capability for focused
logistics will effectively support
the joint force in combat and
provide the primary operational
the commercial sector to take advantage of
applicable advanced business practices and
commercial economies. Combining these
capabilities with innovative organizational
structures and processes will result in
element in the delivery of humanitarian or
disaster relief, or other activities across the
range of military operations.
Full Dimensional Protection
Our military forces must be capable of
conducting decisive operations despite our
adversaries use of a wide range of weapons
(including weapons of mass destruction), the
conduct of information operations or terrorist
attacks, or the presence of asymmetric threats
during any phase of these operations. Our
people and the other military and nonmilitary
assets needed for the successful conduct of
operations must be protected wherever they are
located from deployment, to theater combat,
to redeployment. Full dimensional protection
exists when the joint force can decisively
achieve its mission with an acceptable degree
of risk in both the physical and information
domains.
The capability for full dimensional
protection incorporates a complete array of both
combat and noncombat actions in offensive and
defensive operations, enabled by information
superiority. It will be based upon active and
passive defensive measures, including theater
26
Full Dimensional Protection is the ability of
the joint force to protect its personnel and
other assets required to decisively execute
assigned tasks. Full dimensional protection
is achieved through the tailored selection and
application of multilayered active and passive
measures, within the domains of air, land,
sea, space, and information across the range
of military operations with an acceptable level
of risk.
27
missile defenses and possibly limited missile
defense of the United States; offensive
countermeasures; security procedures;
antiterrorism measures; enhanced intelligence
collection and assessments; emergency
preparedness; heightened security awareness;
and proactive engagement strategies.
Additionally, it will extend beyond the immediate
theater of operations to protect our reach-back,
logistics, and key capabilities in other locations.
There is a critical need for protection of the
information content and systems vital for
operational success, including increased
vigilance in counterintelligence and information
security. The joint force of 2020 will integrate
protective capabilities from multinational and
interagency partners when available and will
respond to their requirements when possible.
Commanders will thoroughly assess and
manage risk as they apply protective measures
to specific operations, ensuring an appropriate
level of safety, compatible with other mission
objectives, is provided for all assets.
The joint force commander will thereby
be provided an integrated architecture for
protection, which will effectively manage risk to
the joint force and other assets, and leverage
the contributions of all echelons of our forces
and those of our multinational and interagency
partners. The result will be improved freedom
of action for friendly forces and better protection
at all echelons.
INFORMATION OPERATIONS
Information operations are essential to
achieving full spectrum dominance. The joint
force must be capable of conducting informa-
tion operations, the purpose of which is to
facilitate and protect US decision-making
processes, and in a conflict, degrade those of
an adversary. While activities and capabilities
employed to conduct information operations are
traditional functions of military forces, the pace
of change in the information environment
dictates that we expand this view and explore
broader information operations strategies and
concepts. We must recognize that
nontraditional adversaries who engage in
28
Information Operations those actions taken to affect an adversarys information and
information systems while defending ones own information and information systems. (JP1-02)
Information operations also include actions taken in a noncombat or ambiguous situation to
protect ones own information and information systems as well as those taken to influence target
information and information systems.
29
nontraditional conflict are of particular
importance in the information domain. The
United States itself and US forces around the
world are subject to information attacks on a
continuous basis regardless of the level and
degree of engagement in other domains of
operation. The perpetrators of such attacks are
not limited to the traditional concept of a
uniformed military adversary. Additionally, the
actions associated with information operations
are wide-ranging from physical destruction to
psychological operations to computer network
defense. The task of integrating information
operations with other joint force operations is
complicated by the need to understand the
many variables involved (summarized in box).
engaged in humanitarian relief operations.
Such operations will be synchronized with
those of multinational and interagency partners
as the situation dictates. New offensive
capabilities such as computer network attack
techniques are evolving. Activities such as
information assurance, computer network
defense, and counterdeception will defend
decision-making processes by neutralizing an
adversaries perception management and
intelligence collection efforts, as well as direct
attacks on our information systems. Because
the ultimate target of information operations is
the human decision maker, the joint force
commander will have difficulty accurately
assessing the effects of those operations. This
Multidimensional definition and meaning of information target, weapon,
resource, or domain of operations
Level of action and desired effect tactical, operational, strategic, or combination
Objective of operations providing information, perception management, battle
field dominance, command and control warfare, systemic disruption, or systemic
destruction
Nature of situation peace, crisis, or conflict
The Variables of Information Operations
Our understanding of the interrelation-
ships of these variables and their impact on
military operations will determine the nature of
information operations in 2020. The joint force
commander will conduct information operations
whether facing an adversary during a conflict or
problem of battle damage assessment for
information operations is difficult and must be
explored through exercises and rigorous
experimentation.
The continuing evolution of information
operations and the global information environ-
ment holds two significant implications. First,
operations within the information domain will
become as important as those conducted in the
domains of sea, land, air, and space. Such
operations will be inextricably linked to focused
logistics, full dimensional protection, precision
engagement, and dominant maneuver, as well
as joint command and control. At the same
time, information operations may evolve into a
separate mission area requiring the Services to
maintain appropriately designed organizations
and trained specialists. Improvements in
doctrine, organization, and technology may lead
to decisive outcomes resulting primarily from
information operations. As information
operations continue to evolve, they, like other
military operations, will be conducted consistent
with the norms of our society, our alliances with
other democratic states, and full respect for the
laws of armed conflict. Second, there is
significant potential for asymmetric engage-
ments in the information domain. The United
States has enjoyed a distinct technological
advantage in the information environment and
will likely continue to do so. However, as
potential adversaries reap the benefits of the
information revolution, the comparative
advantage for the US and its partners will
become more difficult to maintain. Additionally,
our ever-increasing dependence on information
processes, systems, and technologies adds
potential vulnerabilities that must be defended.
30
31
Command and control is the exercise of
authority and direction over the joint force. It is
necessary for the integration of the Services
core competencies into effective joint
operations. The increasing importance of
multinational and interagency aspects of the
operations adds complexity and heightens the
challenge of doing so. Command and control
includes planning, directing, coordinating, and
controlling forces and operations, and is
focused on the effective execution of the
operational plan; but the central function is
decision making.
Command and control is most effective
when decision superiority exists. Decision
processes. While changes in the
information environment have led
some to focus solely on the
contribution of information
superiority to command and
control, it is equally necessary to
understand the complete realm of
command and control decision
making, the nature of organiza-
tional collaboration, and especially,
the human in the loop.
In the joint force of the future, command
and control will remain the primary integrating
and coordinating function for operational
capabilities and Service components. As the
superiority results from superior information
filtered through the commanders experience,
knowledge, training, and judgment; the
expertise of supporting staffs and other
organizations; and the efficiency of associated
JOINT COMMAND AND CONTROL
Command and Control the exercise
of authority and direction by a properly
designated commander over assigned
and attached forces in the accomplish-
ment of the mission. Command and
control functions are performed
through an arrangement of personnel,
equipment, communications, facilities,
and procedures employed by a
commander in planning, directing,
coordinating, and controlling forces
and operations in the accomplishment
of the mission. (JP1-02)
nature of military operations evolves, there is a
need to evaluate continually the nature of
command and control organizations,
mechanisms, systems, and tools. There are
two major issues to address in this evaluation
command structures and processes, and the
information systems and technologies that are
best suited to support them. Encompassed
within these two issues, examination of the
following related ideas and desired capabilities
will serve as a catalyst for changes in doctrine,
organization, and training.
Commanders will need a broad understand-
ing of new operational capabilities and new
(often highly automated) supporting tools in
order to be capable of flexible, adaptive
coordination and direction of both forces
and sensors.
The staffs that support commanders must
be organized and trained to take advantage
of new capabilities. Commanders and staffs
must also be capable of command and
control in the face of technology failure.
Commanders will be able to formulate and
disseminate intent based upon up-to-date
knowledge of the situation existing in the
battlespace.
Joint force headquarters will be dispersed
and survivable and capable of coordinating
dispersed units and operations. Subordi-
nate headquarters will be small, agile,
mobile, dispersed, and networked.
Faster operations tempos, increased
choices among weapons and effects, and
greater weapons ranges will require
continuous, simultaneous planning and
execution at all levels.
Expanding roles for multinational and
interagency partners will require
collaborative planning capabilities,
technological compatibility/interoperability,
and mechanisms for efficient information
sharing.
Finally, as these and other changes take
place over time, we must carefully examine
three aspects of the human element of
command and control. First, leaders of the joint
force must analyze and understand the meaning
of unit cohesion in the context of the small,
widely dispersed units that are now envisioned.
Second, decision makers at all levels must
understand the implications of new technologies
that operate continuously in all conditions when
human beings are incapable of the same
endurance. Third, as new information
technologies, systems, and procedures make
the same detailed information available at all
levels of the chain of command, leaders must
understand the implications for decision-making
32
33
processes, the training of decision makers at all
levels, and organizational patterns and
procedures. The potential for overcentralization
of control and the capacity for relatively junior
leaders to make decisions with strategic impact
are of particular importance.
It has often been said that command is
an art and control is a science a basic truth
that will remain true. Our thinking about
command and control must be conceptually
based, rather than focused on technology or
materiel. Joint command and control is a nexus
a point of connection. It serves as a focal
point for humans and technology, our evolving
operational capabilities, and the capabilities of
the Services. The development of effective
joint command and control for the future
requires rigorous and wide-ranging
experimentation, focused especially on
organizational innovation and doctrinal change.
Joint Vision 2010 has had a profound
impact on the development of US military
capabilities. By describing those capabilities
necessary to achieve success in 2010, we set
in motion three important efforts. First, JV 2010
established a common framework and
language for the Services to develop and
explain their unique contributions to the joint
force. Second, we created a process for the
conduct of joint experimentation and training to
test ideas against practice. Finally, we began a
process to manage the transformation of
doctrine, organization, training, materiel,
leadership and education, personnel, and
facilities necessary to make the vision a reality.
Joint Vision 2020 builds on this foundation of
success and will sustain the momentum of
these processes.
The foundation of jointness is the
strength of individual Service competencies
pulled together. Our objective in implementing
the joint vision is the optimal integration of all
joint forces and effects. To achieve that goal,
the interdependence of the Services requires
mutual trust and reliance among all warfighters
and a significantly improved level of
interoperability especially in the areas of
command and control and sustainment. This
interdependence will ultimately result in a whole
greater than the sum of its parts, and will
contribute to achieving full spectrum dominance
through all forces acting in concert. The
synergy gained through the interdependence of
the Services makes clear that jointness is more
than interoperability. The joint force requires
capabilities that are beyond the simple
combination of Service capabilities, and joint
experimentation is
the process by which
those capabilities will
be achieved.
To ensure unity of
effort and continuity
for joint concept
development and
experimentation, the
Secretary of Defense
designated the
Commander in Chief,
Implementation
34
From Concepts to Capabilities
35
Joint Forces Command as
the Executive Agent for
experimentation design,
preparation, execution,
and assessment. Annual
campaign plans provide
focus to this effort and
continuity in experimenta-
tion. The results of this
iterative experimentation
cycle are forwarded as comprehensive
recommendations for changes in doctrine,
organization, training, materiel, leadership and
education, personnel, and facilities and lead to
the co-evolution of all those elements. The
experimentation and implementation process
supporting the transformation of the joint force
is also dependent upon Service and combatant
command exercises and experimentation
activities. The Service and combatant
command visions support the joint vision by
providing guidance for these individual efforts
that are congruent with the Chairmans vision.
Thus, in their own experimentation venues, the
Services may develop recommendations with
joint implications and will forward them to the
appropriate joint experimentation activity.
To effect transforming and enduring
changes to our joint military capabilities, the
experimentation and implementation process
must include construction of a wide range of
scenarios and imaginative conflict simulations
to explore the shape of future operations. Such
From Vision to Experimentation
Joint Vision 2010 (1996)
Concept for Future Joint Operations (1997)
21
st
Century Challenges and Desired Operational Capabilities (1997)
Joint Warfighting Experimentation Program established, USACOM
(JFCOM) as Executive Agent (1998)
Joint Vision Implementation Master Plan (1998)
CJCSI 3170, Requirements Generation System (1999)
JFCOM Joint Experimentation Campaign Plans (1999 and 2000)
intensive exploration of alternative concepts of
operations can help the US military choose
innovations that take the greatest advantage of
combinations of new ideas and new
technologies. The rapid pace of such changes
will then drive further development of the
experimentation and implementation process to
field improved capabilities for the joint force.
The linchpin of progress from vision to
experimentation to reality is joint training and
education because they are the keys to
intellectual change. Without intellectual
change, there is no real change in doctrine,
organizations, or leaders. Thus, the
implementation process is dependent upon
incorporating concepts validated by
experimentation into joint professional military
education programs and joint exercises. In this
way, individual Service members and units
become a joint team capable of success across
the full range of military operations.
Conclusion
36
This vision is firmly grounded in the view
that the US military must be a joint force
capable of full spectrum dominance. Its basis
is four-fold: the global interests of the United
States and the continuing existence of a wide
range of potential threats to those interests; the
centrality of information technology to the
evolution of not only our own military, but also
the capabilities of other actors around the
globe; the premium a continuing broad range of
military operations will place on the successful
integration of multinational and interagency
partners and the interoperability of processes,
organizations, and systems; and our reliance on
the joint force as the foundation of future US
military operations.
further experimentation, exercises, analysis,
and conceptual thought, especially in the
arenas of information operations, joint
command and control, and multinational and
interagency operations.
This vision recognizes the importance of
technology and technical innovation to the US
military and its operations. At the same time, it
emphasizes that technological innovation must
be accompanied by intellectual innovation
leading to changes in organization and doctrine.
Only then can we reach the full potential of the
joint force decisive capabilities across the full
range of military operations. Such a vision
depends upon the skill, experience, and training
of the people comprising the Total Force and
their leaders. The major innovations necessary
to operate in the environment depicted herein
can only be achieved through the recruitment,
development, and retention of men and women
with the courage, determination, and strength to
ensure we are persuasive in peace, decisive in
war, and preeminent in any form of conflict.
Joint Vision 2020 builds on the founda-
tion and maintains the momentum established
with Joint Vision 2010. It confirms the direction
of the ongoing transformation of operational
capabilities, and emphasizes the importance of